Sigma-HSE Delivers Expert DSEAR Assessments for Fast, Affordable & Proven Compliance

Unlike generic safety consultants, we specialise solely in process safety. With UK-wide coverage, rapid turnaround on quotes, and engineers trusted by regulators, we deliver assessments that not only achieve compliance but also protect your people, reputation, and bottom line.

DSEAR is, in effect, a risk assessment. As part of these assessments of risks, DSEAR requires that a hazard must be present – this is usually the presence of an explosive atmosphere and an effective source of ignition.

The key requirements for complying with the regulations revolve around the completion of a thorough risk assessment and the undertaking of a Hazardous Area Classification (HAC).

Ultimately, the assessment aims to provide a coherent focus for the identification and mitigation from:

• flammable substances with explosive and oxidising properties alongside substances corrosive to metal
• substances that can create explosive atmospheres
• work activities involving other substances that could create a fire, explosion or similar energetic (energy releasing) event e.g. runaway exothermic reactions, decomposition of unstable substances, dust explosions.
• the occurrence of industrial incidents caused by fires and explosions

Dangerous substances, as defined by DSEAR, is any substance in the workplace that could, if not properly controlled, lead to potential hazards when present in explosive atmospheres.

Compliance with DSEAR regulations, therefore, requires that the risks posed by such dangerous substances be removed or controlled to protect people from explosions and fire.

You will need a DSEAR if you deal with dangerous substances in the workplace. 

Take our 2-minute DSEAR Quiz here, or book a free DSEAR compliance cons

A DSEAR assessment should always be reviewed if you believe your current DSEAR may be invalid.

Although this could include the standardised 3–5 year time frame, it is recommended that a risk assessment review should occur if you have recently had a near miss or if you have made a minor change to your process.

The cost of a DSEAR assessment with Sigma-HSE will range depending on factors such as: 

• Size of plant or facility
• Type of DSEAR assessment (i.e., Review/Desktop/On-Site)
• Specific compliance needs
• Nature of your hazardous materials

You can get a free quote by filling in the form. Our team will follow up for a couple of details and you’ll have your quote in just a few days.

Yes. While DSEAR is a regulatory requirement, it can and should be integrated with broader process safety methodologies.

At Sigma-HSE, we regularly align DSEAR assessments with HAZID (Hazard Identification), HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Study) and QRA (Quantitative Risk Assessment) techniques. This ensures a holistic view of potential risks across both routine operations and abnormal scenarios.

Our cross-disciplinary approach helps streamline compliance, prevent duplication of effort, and strengthen your organisation’s overall safety performance.

Although each site and set of unit operations will never be the same, we follow a structured methodology to ensure DSEAR compliance:

1. Identification of Dangerous Substances
   Pinpoint all flammable gases, vapours, mists, and dusts used or generated onsite.

2. Assessment of Explosion and Fire Risks
   Evaluate the likelihood of explosive atmospheres forming and the presence of ignition sources.

3. Implementation of Control Measures
   Recommend suitable controls such as ventilation, inerting, zoning, and use of ATEX-rated equipment.

4. Documentation and Reporting
   Provide a detailed report including zoning classifications, equipment inventories, and risk mitigation strategies.

5. Review and Ongoing Monitoring
   Ensure regular updates to the assessment in line with process changes, incidents, or new substances introduced.

At Sigma-HSE, we deliver each stage with technical precision, so your assessment meets both legal requirements and best-practice expectations.